Autistic Adulting Dyslexia Hacks: From Hiding Shame to Superpower Advocacy | Sabrina Fandell Interview
20 October 2025

Autistic Adulting Dyslexia Hacks: From Hiding Shame to Superpower Advocacy | Sabrina Fandell Interview

Adulting with Autism

About

Send us a text

Autistic adulting masking dyslexia shame? In this raw ramble on Adulting with Autism, host April (autistic OT) chats with VP Sabrina Fandell (International Dyslexia Association Dallas) on flipping "less than" to superpower—undiagnosed tears (Hooked on Phonics frustration, "slow reader" isolation), breakthrough via blind teacher's verbal tests (aced 'em!), and her son's dyslexia/ADHD eval ($3k private—scores too high for school help?). Business dev exec turned advocate, Sabrina's expanding scholarships/evals/summer support in Texas (covers OK/AR/N Dallas), busting myths (not laziness—analytical resilience shines in sales/crisis; women mask differently).

Transcript gems: Superpowers from struggle (problem-solving breeds quick thinking—unfazed by "no"), workplace advocacy ("Short emails? Brain wiring, not carelessness"), early intervention emotional shield (no imposter scars), and resources (dallasida.com hotline/events, Oct awareness run). For autistic young adults hiding differences, parents pushing IEPs, or OT squad fostering inclusion, this is your 'what the actual?' unmasking toolkit—no perfectionism traps, just neurodivergent wins.

Timestamps:
 0:00 - Intro: Dyslexia Shame & Sabrina's Journey
 2:30 - Undiagnosed Struggles (Hooked on Phonics Tears)
 8:45 - Breakthrough Teacher & Masking
 15:20 - Son's Diagnosis & Advocacy Shift
 22:10 - Myths & Superpowers (Analytical Edge)
 30:00 - Workplace/Employer Tips
 40:00 - Resources & Involvement
 50:00 - Outro

Sub on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for unmasked tips—reviews build the squad! Linktree for full eps, Sabrina's dallasida.com (scholarships/hotline/events), Facebook/Instagram (Dallas IDA), and Adulting with Autism merch: 'Dynamite' tees for advocacy sparks or 'Magic Shop' hoodies for squad resilience. Your dyslexia story? Comment! Follow @adultingautismbts on TikTok for clips.

#AutisticAdultingTips #DyslexiaHacks #NeurodivergentAdvocacy #AdultingWithAutism #BTSNeurodivergent #DyslexiaMyths #EarlyInterventionLD #OTTips #MaskingDyslexia #ADHDOverlap #TexasDyslexia #SuperpowerStruggle #WorkplaceInclusion #IEPAdvocacy #DallasIDA

https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adulting-with-autism/id1726252789| https://open.spotify.com/show/3x5XAhD6vUr9vyxwo7PUrn | https://dallasida.com/https://dallasida.com/| Dallas IDA Facebook | Dallas IDA Instagram

Autistic adulting chaos? My MFish Dragon Charger slays—sleek, bold design with soul (no Apple boredom!), powers phone/laptop through BTS sessions. Daily obsession for my neurodivergent brain—ordering more! Quick pre-roll from Adulting with Autism. Affiliate link below (I earn from purchases—thanks!)

Get fierce for fall with the Empowerment Collection and Power in the Frequency! Bold colors, ultimate comfort, and designs made for neurodivergent pride. Shop now to support the show and join the Alliance—find your new favorite at the link in show notes.

mfish: Organize. Simplify. Win
Eco-friendly, high-quality tech tool to simplify school, work and life

Find Your Fierce This Fall: Empowerment
Shop now to support the show and join the Alliance—find your new favorite at the link in show notes.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

@adulting_autism
adultingwithautism.podcast@outlook.com